Sarah Walsh fifth at Para Athletics World Championships

11 July 2023

Sarah Walsh fifth at Para Athletics World Championships

This morning competing at Para Athletics World Championships in Paris, Sutherland Club’s Sarah Walsh placed fifth in the T64 Long Jump with a best leap of 4.84m. Representing Australia at her sixth global championships, the single-leg amputee and coach Matt Beckenham had switched to a new blade. At just 24, Sarah has been appointed one of the co-captains and is a genuine leader in the team. After her competition she spoke about looking forward to mentoring the less experienced athletes over the next week.

Overcoming a recent hamstring tear in training, five-time Paralympic champion Evan O’Hanlon finished in eighth in the T38 100m in 11.41, a little slower than his heat time of 11.31.

Three NSW athletes will start their campaigns tonight in Paris. On debut, Mali Lovell will compete in the T36 100m heats, while the Louise Savuage-coached Rheed McCracken lines up in the T34 400m final. Expectations are high for Rheed to finish on the podium, an achievement he has accomplished at six of his seven career global meet appearances. His last 400m podium was at the 2013 world championships just down the road from Paris in Lyon, France. Newcastle’s Luke Bailey has recently been in record breaking form and will start in the T54 400m heat.

Read more about Mali, Rheed and Luke in their profiles: https://www.athletics.com.au/world-para-athletics-championships-athlete-profiles/

SCHEDULE:

Wednesday 03:40 AEST: Women T36 100m heat – Mali Lovell

Wednesday 04:20 AEST: Men T34 400m final – Rheed McCracken

Wednesday 04:40 AEST: Men T54 400m heat – Luke Bailey

Watch a live broadcast on 9Now.

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW

Image: Sarah Walsh (courtesy of Athletics Australia)